Pervert who groomed schoolgirl and offered her cigarettes illegally used Snapchat and Facebook.

Sex Offender Jailed for Breaching Order

David Walls, 43, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) at Teesside Crown Court.

Prosecutor Jenny Haigh told the court that Walls is a registered sex offender. In March 2017, he was convicted of grooming a young girl and attempting to meet her for sexual activity. The pair communicated online, and Walls offered her cigarettes and suggested a meeting for sexual activity. However, the girl did not attend the meeting, recognizing the situation as inappropriate.

Following his conviction, Walls was subject to notification requirements, which he breached in July. Police obtained a warrant and visited his home address, but it was evident he was not residing there. Officers located him at his brother's residence, where he attempted to flee before being apprehended. A search of his phone revealed that he had been using Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook under aliases while staying at his brother's house.

The prosecutor highlighted that Walls has six convictions for 16 offences and has previously breached the order. In mitigation, the court heard Walls admitted the offenses and acknowledged the need to change his behavior.

Walls, of Rugby Street, Hartlepool, was sentenced to 28 months in prison.